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WASHINGTON — Marine Gen. John Allen, who just stepped down from commanding coalition troops in Afghanistan, has said he is resting and reuniting with his family before making a decision about his next job, according to a statement from his staff.

"After 19 months in command in Afghanistan, and many before that spent away from home, Gen. Allen has been offered time to rest and reunite with his family before he turns his attention to his next assignment," the statement said.

The statement came amid a flurry of speculation that Allen might request that his nomination to become supreme allied commander in Europe be withdrawn.

The nomination had been put on hold, pending an investigation into allegations of improper emails with a Tampa socialite.

He was completely exonerated last month by a months-long Defense Department inspector general investigation that pored through his correspondence. After he was cleared of all wrongdoing, the White House said it would proceed with the nomination.